Kalmar has signed an agreement with MSC PSA European Terminal (MPET) and PSA Antwerp to deliver a total of 34 Kalmar straddle carriers for their terminals in Antwerp, Belgium. Of the machines, 29 will be delivered to MPET and five to PSA Antwerp.

The order is scheduled for delivery in Q3 2022.

MPET and PSA Antwerp’s carbon emissions are produced mainly by diesel-operated equipment such as straddle carriers, terminal tractors and other terminal vehicles. To decarbonise their heavy-duty logistics, the companies are investing in greener equipment. The purchase of 15 hybrid straddle carriers will help to reduce CO2 emissions by at least 15% compared to conventional diesel machines, equivalent to around 600 T per year.

Kalmar will deliver 10 hybrid straddle carriers and 19 diesel-electric straddle carriers to MPET. All of the Kalmar straddle carriers to be delivered to PSA Antwerp will be hybrids.

Harold Kunst, CEO at MPET, says: "We chose Kalmar Straddle Carriers to replace our older equipment due to the eco-efficiency potential, high-quality products and excellent local service capabilities. As a straddle carrier terminal, we trust that the new-generation equipment will help us improve our operational performance, and the hybrids, in particular, will help reduce the carbon footprint of our operations."

Cameron Thorpe, CEO of PSA Antwerp, adds: “Global warming means we must act: to continue with our terminal decarbonisation we are setting up various pilots around electrification and hydrogen within the framework of our Green Straddle Carrier Program.”

The orders have been welcomed by Mikko Mononen, vice president, sales EMEIA, Kalmar. "We are happy that MPET and PSA Antwerp chose our state-of-the-art straddle carrier technology to enhance their capacity and support their journey towards more eco-efficient operations at the Port of Antwerp. Kalmar Straddle Carriers are trusted by terminal operators the world over for their ability to boost the efficiency of operations as well as their excellent fuel efficiency and low noise. They feature a spacious, ergonomic cabin and intuitive user interface, comply with the latest exhaust emission regulations and can be fully automated."